Byodoji Temple
22nd Temple
Anytime, anywhere. A temple that stays close to your heart.
Byodoji was founded in 814 by Kobo Daishi Kukai, who vowed to equally heal the illnesses of mind and body. Since then, as the 22nd temple of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, it has become a spiritual refuge for pilgrims from across Japan and around the world.
Our principal image, Yakushi Nyorai, is deeply revered for relieving suffering in this life, especially for cancer-related prayers, healing from illness, and strength in the legs and lower back. Kobo Daishi's sacred spring still flows in the temple grounds, and many worshippers visit seeking its healing grace.
The light of hope is always here.
Our honorary chief priest overcame cancer four times under the protection of Yakushi Nyorai. We also preserve the moving story of a parent and child whose visit in a handcart led to a miraculous recovery. These rays of hope continue to support all who face illness or anxiety.
A new form of prayer, for you.
After the COVID pandemic, we worked to bring prayer online as well. Through our 24-hour live streaming and online prayer applications that can be made from home, you can now experience a free and natural form of prayer that is not limited by time or place.
Without worrying about anyone else's eyes, take your time and stay with Yakushi Nyorai for as long as you need. Even through the screen, Byodoji remains here as a temple that heals your mind and body.
Connect with Byodoji right now through the live stream.
See live streaming detailsLearn about Yakushi NyoraiRead the legend of the handcartRequest AñjaliRequest an online prayerAñjali
Praying here and now
"Añjali" (meaning joining hands in prayer) is a web service developed exclusively for online worship by the chief priest of Byodoji. With this, you can send your wishes to Buddha anytime. Remote offerings are also possible. Please worship at your own pace, just like in a real visit.
Learn more about AñjaliByodoji Temple Online Prayer
I pray without hesitation
By using the online prayer service of Byodoin Temple, you can request as many prayers as you wish without anyone knowing. The chief priest will read and perform the prayers carefully, which can be viewed via live streaming. After the reading, you will receive a notification via LINE or email for your peace of mind. There is no need to write down your personal information on paper and hand it over to someone unknown.
Apply for a prayerIntroducing Byodoji Temple
A temple established with the vow to "equally heal the illnesses of people's minds and bodies"
Brief History of Foundation
Founded: Konin 5 (814 CE) Founder: Kobo Daishi Kukai
Byodoji is a Buddhist temple founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai. The principal deity is Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), carved by the Great Master himself. The Master performed goma fire rituals for 100 days at this site and established the temple with a vow to equally heal people's minds and bodies.
Currently, it is the 22nd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage.
Learn about the Yakushi BuddhaLearn about the history of Byodoji Temple
Origin of the Name
Mountain name: Hakusui-zan (White Water Mountain), Temple name: Byodoji (Temple of Equality)
The water that springs from the well dug by Kobo Daishi Kukai is called "Kobo's Sacred Water" and is believed by many to be effective against all illnesses. Initially, this water was milky white in color, leading to the mountain being named "Hakusui-zan" (White Water Mountain).
Additionally, when the Great Master carved the principal deity Yakushi Nyorai, he made a vow to "equally heal people's minds and bodies," leading to the temple being named "Byodoji" (Temple of Equality).
Learn about the Yakushi BuddhaLearn about the history of Byodoji Temple
Sect & Affiliations
Koyasan Shingon Sect & Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage Association
Our temple belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect and was founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai. As the 22nd temple of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage, we welcome between 100,000 and 200,000 pilgrims annually.
It has become a sacred place where local parishioners living in the surrounding countryside and pilgrims from around the world come together to offer prayers to Buddha.
Spiritual Benefits & Miraculous Stories
Cancer Prevention & Strong Legs and Lower Back
Byodoji has long been known as a temple with miraculous powers for "cancer prevention." Through the compassion of the principal deity Yakushi Nyorai, many visitors have received the benefits of healing from illness. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of cancer patients who prayed here and subsequently recovered.
The benefit of "strong legs and lower back" is also famous. Stories have been passed down through generations of pilgrims who drank the sacred water from the well dug by Kobo Daishi, found relief from leg and back pain, and were able to continue walking the pilgrimage route.
24-Hour Live Streaming
Beidoji Temple offers live streaming of the main hall 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please pray to the Buddha anytime, anywhere, where you want to worship.
See details about live streamingMain Hall
Visitor Information
Opening hours, stamp fees, and prayer information
Opening Hours
- Main hall: 06:00 - 17:00From 08:00 on days without the morning service
- Stamp office: 08:00 - 17:00
- Temple gate: Open at all times
Admission
- Adults: Free
- Children: Free
Parking
- Pilgrimage buses: Free
- Private cars: Free
- You are welcome to use the parking area freely for pilgrimage and worship.
- Commercial use unrelated to Byodoji's religious or public-interest activities is generally not permitted.
Stamp Fees (Goshuin)
- Pilgrimage stamp book: 500 yen
- Hanging scroll: 700 yen
- White robe: 300 yen
O-sugata sacred image cards
- Color: 200 yen
- Black and white: 100 yen
Prayer Guide
One wish: 500 yen
Healing from illness, protection from cancer, strong legs and hips
- Yakushi Goma every Sunday at 3:00 PM
- Yakushi Goma on the 8th of each month at 8:00 PM
Long life, health, removal of misfortune, and good fortune
- Fudo Goma on the 28th of each month at 8:00 PM
Children's growth and memorial prayers for unborn children
- Jizo Goma on the 24th of each month at 8:00 PM
Victory, financial luck, and rising fortune
- Bishamonten Goma on the 1st of each month at 8:00 PM
Health and peaceful rebirth
- Juichimen Goma on the 18th of each month at 8:00 PM
Please check the application form for wooden prayer tablets, amulets, and other offerings.
Request a prayer serviceMorning and Evening Services
Reading prayer names aloud: Free
- Morning service: 06:00 - 08:00
- Evening service: 16:00 - 18:00
due to travel or funerals.
The morning and evening services at Byodoji last about two hours, making them among the longest on the Shikoku pilgrimage. More than 150 prayer and memorial requests are read aloud free of charge at every service.
Prayers for cancer protection or everyday worries are always welcome. Please apply online.
Request a prayer serviceAfter each service there is time for questions and answers, so sending your question in advance helps us respond smoothly.
Ask a questionAccess
Highway
30.7 km from Tokushima-Tsuda IC
- By car: 60 min
Train
2.0 km from JR Niino Station
- On foot: 30 min
Ferry
33.2 km from Nankai Ferry Tokushima Port
- By car: 60 min
Airplane
44 km from Tokushima Awaodori Airport
- By car: 150 min
Walking
From Temple No. 21 Tairyuji (about 13 km)
- By car: 25 min
- On foot: about 4 hours
From Temple No. 23 Yakuoji (about 20.3 km)
- By car: 25 min
- On foot: about 5 hours
Location
Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage
Temple No. 22
Koyasan Shingon Buddhism Quasi-Head Temple
Hakusui-zan Io-in Byodoji Temple
Anan, Tokushima 779-1510 Japantel. 0884-36-3522fax. 0884-36-2023contactus@byodoji.online